Crystal Palace has announced that defender Joel Ward will leave the club when his contract expires in June, marking the end of an era for the experienced player. Ward, who has been with the club since 2012, has made 363 appearances for the Eagles and is the last remaining member of the squad that won promotion to the Premier League in the 2012/13 season.
The news of Ward’s departure has been met with reactions from several Crystal Palace cult heroes. Former academy graduate Jonny Williams was one of the first to respond to the announcement on Instagram, writing “incredible achievement Wardy” to his old teammate. Other former players, including Dwight Gayle, Jeffrey Schlupp, Joe Ledley, and Wayne Routledge, also paid tribute to Ward, with Gayle calling him a “legend.”
“It’s hard to put into words the emotions I’m feeling right now,” Ward said, reflecting on his time at Crystal Palace. “This club has been my home for 13 incredible years, and I’m going to miss it dearly. I’m grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the experiences I’ve had here. I’ll always be a part of the Eagles family.”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is not expected to rush into signing a replacement for Ward this summer. With Daniel Munoz’s impressive durability, Ward has made just one Premier League appearance this season. Glasner also has young talent Caleb Kporha in reserve, who could potentially fill the void left by Ward’s departure.
As Ward prepares to leave Crystal Palace after 13 years, the club will undoubtedly miss his experience and leadership. However, the announcement also marks a new chapter for the Eagles, who will look to build on their recent successes in the FA Cup and Premier League. With the FA Cup final against Manchester City just around the corner, Crystal Palace will be focused on making a statement on the biggest stage in English football.
The departure of Ward will be felt deeply by the Crystal Palace fans, who have grown to appreciate his consistency and dedication over the years. Ward’s loyalty and commitment to the club have been exemplary, and he will be hard to replace. Nevertheless, the Eagles have a talented squad and a capable manager in Glasner, who will look to guide the team to success in the coming seasons.
In the short term, Crystal Palace will be focused on the FA Cup final and making a positive impact against Manchester City. The team has shown great spirit and determination this season, and the fans will be hoping that they can translate that into a memorable performance on the big stage. Whatever the outcome, Ward’s departure will be a significant moment in the club’s history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Eagles.
